Photojournalism: Malnourishment

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This photo shows a young mother holding her malnourished son at a medical clinic in the Hodeidah providence of Yemen.

Words to describe my feelings looking at this image? Shocked and saddened. 

This photo captures the problem of world hunger. I caught myself believing the issue has diminished, especially after hearing about the efforts of non-profits who seek to increase access to food around the world. However, it is apparent the problem still persists and those efforts have not reached certain parts of the world. 

Why hasn’t it? Possibly political conflict.

I use to volunteer at the organization Feed My Starving Children back home in Minnesota. After one volunteer session, one of the employees explained to me how the food they ship overseas is often intercepted by hostile groups who prevent it from reaching its respective towns and villages. Some of the conflict is politically motivated like groups in eastern Africa who sabotage relief efforts because of opposition to their government. I wonder if this same type of conflict is contributing to Yemen’s issue of food scarcity.  

In relation to science and technology, I notice the young boy is receiving medical treatment for his ailments, but it is unclear of the type of treatment he is receiving. As Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, I imagine his healthcare is inadequate.

It brings to light how often countries who suffer from the most health issues (beyond malnourishment) are the ones that have the least resources to cure them. It also points to how these countries are also the ones that have the least access to vaccines to prevent certain illnesses in the first place.  

How could aiding world hunger be approached best? How could eased political conflict increase access to food and improved medical technology treat those without it?